News Article: Auston Matthews - August 1st., Contract Crickets

[geo25]

You trust the Leafs too much, and they have been wrong too many times in 56 years. You think they know about his health...you have no idea. How old was Crosby when he was captain.
I hope you and Dubas enjoy Pitt together. You appear to be his mouthpiece. Only time will tell if AM continues to develop intestinal fortitude, but there are signs that say he may not. Those signs were never there with Crosby, or McDavid, or Sittler, or Salming, or Orr, or Clark, or Horton, or Trottier, or Keon, or Lafleur, or Robinson, or Howe, or many others.
Giving a young man $100 000,000 is risky.

We've seen what he is and the value he adds to the team as well as the results it brings. Bottom line is we have not, nor will we (imho) win with this core. That said, I would trade the entire core and retool as best I could with a totally different make up. In addition, his wrist problems and the downturn he had in production last year is concerning. If he cant be traded because Shanny (of the failed Shannyplan refuses) then a 3 year deal may be best all around. Heck, he may even pull a Gaudreau or JT & leave....If I were Trev I'd give them firm deadlines to eke a deal or trade them (WN & AM (try to work a sign & trade to the team of his choice). Trev is stuck between a rock & a hard place and I'm fairly certain Shanny & the Board are pulling the strings....

 

[Shanty]

Both his wrists seem to be a little limp, but not enough to hone his golf game in the off season. I hurt my wrist too when I shank a 7-iron into a huge divot in the fairway, but I'm not being paid $12m to ensure my wrists are healthy for the people that cut my cheques

Man this is a salty thread, good god

 

[Niagara Bill]

We've seen what he is and the value he adds to the team as well as the results it brings. Bottom line is we have not, nor will we (imho) win with this core. That said, I would trade the entire core and retool as best I could with a totally different make up. In addition, his wrist problems and the downturn he had in production last year is concerning. If he cant be traded because Shanny (of the failed Shannyplan refuses) then a 3 year deal may be best all around. Heck, he may even pull a Gaudreau or JT & leave....If I were Trev I'd give them firm deadlines to eke a deal or trade them (WN & AM (try to work a sign & trade to the team of his choice). Trev is stuck between a rock & a hard place and I'm fairly certain Shanny & the Board are pulling the strings....

AM has no trade clause effective July 1, 2023

 

[geo25]

AM has no trade clause effective July 1, 2023

I know & more importantly, so did the TML.

 

[zoA]

It’s a sign!

 

[Arzak]

View attachment 733220

It’s a sign!

Can they even afford him?

NHL should be able to scratch/demote the most embarrassing team to AHL. If you're in red for decade you're out!

Give a chance to another city - look at Vegas. Or cut them down to 24, let only the strong survive in much better health.

 

[ToneDog]

Can they even afford him?

NHL should be able to scratch/demote the most embarrassing team to AHL. If you're in red for decade you're out!

Give a chance to another city - look at Vegas. Or cut them down to 24, let only the strong survive in much better health.

The Montreal-Quebec City rivalry was second to none and here we are with a team in Arizona that virtually nobody cares about and no team in Quebec City or a second team in the GTA for that matter. It really is a shame for hockey fans.

 

[Arzak]

The Montreal-Quebec City rivalry was second to none and here we are with a team in Arizona that virtually nobody cares about and no team in Quebec City or a second team in the GTA for that matter. It really is a shame for hockey fans.

I wasn't even being sarcastic, we can assume Toronto can market him and get their bucks back,but Arizona? Is it profitable for them or just digging the hole deeper?

 

[Gary Nylund]

The Montreal-Quebec City rivalry was second to none and here we are with a team in Arizona that virtually nobody cares about and no team in Quebec City or a second team in the GTA for that matter. It really is a shame for hockey fans.

+1

The atmosphere when those teams met in the playoffs, I don't think I've seen anything that compares to that!

 

[Nineteen67]

6 weeks til training camp.

 

[PromisedLand]

Tavares' contract also happens to end the year Draisaitl, Sheshterkin and Rantanen come up. I'm not saying to go chasing after big names necessarily, but if Nylander is gone and Tavares comes off the books, the Leafs will have a lot of flexibility opening up in two years time.

if Leafs can tank the next couple seasons and also trade Nylander (or Marner); when JT is off the cap I think Leafs can ice a much better and balanced roster in future and be really cup contenders instead of pretenders

 

[Leafblooded]

I'm fully on board with a retool. Our present roster is going to shit the bed, there's going to be drama. Part of me is excited for the fireworks. The overpaid, entitled children heading up our roster need to be boo'd out of town, along with captain underpants... The sooner we all move on to players that give a shit about winning, the better.

 

[ULF_55]

Matthews is the player to deal.

Never earned anything gets by on talent.

 

[Martin Skoula]

I think Buffalo is good but the goaltending position is the biggest concern.

I’ve been hearing how Ottawa and Buffalo are just one piece away for the better part of a decade at this point. Maybe that’s even true, maybe they could be contenders with a few tweaks. The problem is that by the time they make those tweaks, a core piece demands a trade or needs a surgery or the coach leaves or there’s some off-ice scandal or a chemistry issue or..

Until they prove otherwise you can make good money betting on both of their picks landing within a few spots of 8th overall.

 

[TheDoldrums]

if Leafs can tank the next couple seasons and also trade Nylander (or Marner); when JT is off the cap I think Leafs can ice a much better and balanced roster in future and be really cup contenders instead of pretenders

If we blow it up it's more likely we go another 15 years without a roster this good. We were terrible for the entirety of the cap era until we got Matthews

No team would try and tank with this much talent because it's moronic.

 

[andora]

If we blow it up it's more likely we go another 15 years without a roster this good. We were terrible for the entirety of the cap era until we got Matthews

No team would try and tank with this much talent because it's moronic.

Uh oh...

Thia conversation has been a year plus over on the nucks board.. lets not start that here

 

[kevsh]

I am convinced that as long as MLSE is in control, whether it's Shanny or a replacement running the hockey division, this team will never trade any of this core.

Example: If Treliving went upstairs next week and complained that Willie's ask is just too high, there's way too much distance on dollars/term and Brad wants to move him, I'd bet the response would be "find a way to sign him, period".

Obviously, the same goes for Mitch and Auston. They're all getting signed even if Treliving has to completely cave to each of them, because MLSE said so.

 

[Stephen]

I am convinced that as long as MLSE is in control, whether it's Shanny or a replacement running the hockey division, this team will never trade any of this core.

Example: If Treliving went upstairs next week and complained that Willie's ask is just too high, there's way too much distance on dollars/term and Brad wants to move him, I'd bet the response would be "find a way to sign him, period".

Obviously, the same goes for Mitch and Auston. They're all getting signed even if Treliving has to completely cave to each of them, because MLSE said so.

There are compelling hockey and business reasons to keep Auston, Mitch and Willie as the Leafs core as much as there are to move some of them...

Strictly from a business perspective, it seems like Toronto has developed a bit of an offense first, flashy names, big ticket draw kind of culture as a sports town.

Looking at the Jays and Leafs, there are some eerie similarities in terms of their rebuilds, program strengths and weaknesses. Even when Burke was tasked with rebuilding the Leafs, one of the first moves he made was securing Phil Kessel. Our trio checks the boxes as a big draw.

On the other hand, the team could benefit from a big name refresh too.

 

[leafan11]

I am convinced that as long as MLSE is in control, whether it's Shanny or a replacement running the hockey division, this team will never trade any of this core.

Example: If Treliving went upstairs next week and complained that Willie's ask is just too high, there's way too much distance on dollars/term and Brad wants to move him, I'd bet the response would be "find a way to sign him, period".

Obviously, the same goes for Mitch and Auston. They're all getting signed even if Treliving has to completely cave to each of them, because MLSE said so.

Completely agree, I’ve said it previously but I guarantee the revenue generated during the core 4 era is the most MLSE has seen. Why break it up ?

 

[Mess]

There are compelling hockey and business reasons to keep Auston, Mitch and Willie as the Leafs core as much as there are to move some of them...

Strictly from a business perspective, it seems like Toronto has developed a bit of an offense first, flashy names, big ticket draw kind of culture as a sports town.

Looking at the Jays and Leafs, there are some eerie similarities in terms of their rebuilds, program strengths and weaknesses. Even when Burke was tasked with rebuilding the Leafs, one of the first moves he made was securing Phil Kessel. Our trio checks the boxes as a big draw.

On the other hand, the team could benefit from a big name refresh too.

You are not wrong. ​

​

Maple Leafs: The Costliest Fan Experience - New Study Ranks Them at the Top​

The Maple Leafs are the most expensive fan experience for a family of four according to a ‘fan cost’ index.

• David Alter Aug 1, 2023

With the Toronto Maple Leafs consistently ranked as the most valuable team in the NHL, it comes as little surprise that the club has ranked as the most expensive team to support.

According to a study conducted by USBettingReport, the Leafs ranked at the top of the list using a calculation in which they call a 'Fan Cost Index'. The metric calculates the total cost of taking a family of four to a sporting event. It considers the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs, and the two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.

The Leafs topped the list at $697.75 based on that number. It's not a huge surprise given the history of the club and the loyal hockey following.

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-the-costliest-fan-experience-new-study-ranks-them-at-the-top

 

[PromisedLand]

I am convinced that as long as MLSE is in control, whether it's Shanny or a replacement running the hockey division, this team will never trade any of this core.

Example: If Treliving went upstairs next week and complained that Willie's ask is just too high, there's way too much distance on dollars/term and Brad wants to move him, I'd bet the response would be "find a way to sign him, period".

Obviously, the same goes for Mitch and Auston. They're all getting signed even if Treliving has to completely cave to each of them, because MLSE said so.

We'll find out soon enough. One of marner and nylander has to go. We need to stabilize cap/salary structure and have to find some cheap ELCs who can help out immediately or as RFAs on cheap deals.

Its been 7 years worth of evidence that matthews, marner and nylander together can't take this team to the promised land. Its about time we actually look at facts grounded in reality and stop living in the fantasy land created by the trashiest gm we've ever had. He is gone and his ideas should not be repeated or even talked about in the Leafs land.

You either plan for success or you don't there is no in between.

As for MLSE, if I was in business to make money; if I make as much or more regardless of who is working for me I wouldn't care much. I really doubt MLSE would care whether if they make the same amount or more. I think they will care if they pay a lot of money up front (ex: signing bonuses) and then don't recuperate their investments quickly enough.

Cost of life is already high (inflation, int rates and what not); I wonder how much money normal folks would pay if Leafs continue to shit the bed the same way. On the other hand, if Leafs do well i the playoffs that will generate a lot of interest and people might be willing to spend more money, go to bars to watch games, merchandise, tickets etc... while curtailing other expenses on other things.

If MLSE really wants to make money the right play is to not pay ridiculous signing bonuses and bet on horses who have stage fright at show time

 

[Stephen]

You are not wrong. ​

​

Maple Leafs: The Costliest Fan Experience - New Study Ranks Them at the Top​

The Maple Leafs are the most expensive fan experience for a family of four according to a ‘fan cost’ index.

• David Alter Aug 1, 2023

With the Toronto Maple Leafs consistently ranked as the most valuable team in the NHL, it comes as little surprise that the club has ranked as the most expensive team to support.

According to a study conducted by USBettingReport, the Leafs ranked at the top of the list using a calculation in which they call a 'Fan Cost Index'. The metric calculates the total cost of taking a family of four to a sporting event. It considers the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs, and the two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.

The Leafs topped the list at $697.75 based on that number. It's not a huge surprise given the history of the club and the loyal hockey following.

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-the-costliest-fan-experience-new-study-ranks-them-at-the-top

There was some chatter on the radio before the MLB trade deadline about how when the Blue Jays opened up the vaults to sign Roger Clemens way back in the 90s there wasn't much of an uptick in gate receipts for when he started. Here was a premier free agent acquisition, playing a defensive position and it didn't translate for the Toronto audience.

I think that line of thinking has informed a lot of the offensive driven, star focused builds across sports in Toronto. Our current collection of stars on the Leafs is really a gold standard in that respect. The challenge has been surrounding them with a championship cast.

 

[WTFMAN99]

There was some chatter on the radio before the MLB trade deadline about how when the Blue Jays opened up the vaults to sign Roger Clemens way back in the 90s there wasn't much of an uptick in gate receipts for when he started. Here was a premier free agent acquisition, playing a defensive position and it didn't translate for the Toronto audience.

I think that line of thinking has informed a lot of the offensive driven, star focused builds across sports in Toronto. Our current collection of stars on the Leafs is really a gold standard in that respect. The challenge has been surrounding them with a championship cast.

What about the Raptors? They were pretty good defensively for the 2-3 year lead up to getting Leonard and he was also pretty damned good 2-ways.

 

[ACC1224]

You are not wrong. ​

​

Maple Leafs: The Costliest Fan Experience - New Study Ranks Them at the Top​

The Maple Leafs are the most expensive fan experience for a family of four according to a ‘fan cost’ index.

• David Alter Aug 1, 2023

With the Toronto Maple Leafs consistently ranked as the most valuable team in the NHL, it comes as little surprise that the club has ranked as the most expensive team to support.

According to a study conducted by USBettingReport, the Leafs ranked at the top of the list using a calculation in which they call a 'Fan Cost Index'. The metric calculates the total cost of taking a family of four to a sporting event. It considers the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs, and the two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.

The Leafs topped the list at $697.75 based on that number. It's not a huge surprise given the history of the club and the loyal hockey following.

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-the-costliest-fan-experience-new-study-ranks-them-at-the-top

Who parks for one hour? Strange criteria.

For reference, if I take a daughter and we order food to our seats.

Parking - 15
2 Tickets - 182
2 sandwiches- 36 (Braised beef grilled cheese is great)
Water - 7
Can of Heineken - 18

 

[Arzak]

Who parks for one hour? Strange criteria.

For reference, if I take a daughter and we order food to our seats.

Parking - 15
2 Tickets - 182
2 sandwiches- 36 (Braised beef grilled cheese is great)
Water - 7
Can of Heineken - 18

I thought the same! One hour of parking, it's like they started this survey in Arizona and nobody needs the whole 3 hours.

Make it Heineken per period .